Thoughts on the New Rules- PIITB By JD

 Thoughts on the New Rules- PIITB by JD

 

I decided to pause the top 10 rankings to discuss the topic everyone is talking about. The pitch clock and the new rules for 2023. 

 

First off, I want to say the pitch clock is working. It is doing what it was designed to do. Spring Training games are as fast as ever! The Mets have played one game over 3 hours this spring. Most of the games I have seen have been around 2 hours and 35 minutes. MLB has cut out the fluff between batters. That is not to say there are no issues with the clock and the new rules. Here are a couple of consequences I am not a fan of:

 

1.     Games ending due to a violation. That is simply unacceptable. Imagine it is the World Series, game 7 and Pete Alonso strikes out for taking too long in the box or Edwin Diaz walks in a batter for not starting his motion in time. 

2.     The decline in broadcaster commentary. This is MASSIVE for the at-home experience. Broadcasters across baseball have decades of experience to share with the fans at home. I’ll use Gary, Keith, and Ron for example. I think everyone can agree their dynamic is second to none and they are one of, if not the best, broadcasting crew in the league. Throughout my time as a fan, I have heard Gary ask thoughtful questions to Keith and Ron as well as have entertaining banter. This is part of the experience! Whether it’s Keith telling a joke or Ron analyzing a play, there is never a dull moment in that booth. With games being shortened so much and cutting out the extra time between pitches, we are missing out on what makes broadcasters so special. 

3.     Less time for walkup music! By limiting time between batters, walkup music is much harder. Imagine not hearing the trumpets when Diaz comes out! 

 

I am not sure how to solve the broadcaster issue, however, I do have a few recommendations on how to improve the rules. 

 

1.     Eliminate the pitch clock in the 9^th inning. No game should be decided by a clock running out. What is so unique about baseball compared to other sports is that you can not simply run out the clock. You have to throw the ball in the zone and give the other guy his shot to hit. That is the game all of us grew up watching and want to keep watching. I’m sure MLB nor the MLBPA want games decided by a clock and this is a very easy fix. 

2.     Cut out the pickoff attempt rules- currently, a pitcher can throw over to a base twice. If he throws over a 3^rd time and does not get the runner out, he is awarded second base. I understand this encourages stealing, but it is too much in my opinion. As Buck said last week, “once you throw over twice, you might as well throw over again because they are going to get second anyway”. 

3.     Increase the pitch clock to 18 seconds with nobody on base and 23 seconds with guys on. Currently, the rules are 15 seconds with nobody on base and 20 seconds with runners on base. As we have seen, there are issues with the current clock. Pitchers are struggling with picking the right pitch in time. This encourages offense for sure. When pitchers have less time to get ready, the pitch may not be perfect. The batters are having issues as well. Not being able to take a breath and leave the box should not be the goal. I want Pete Alonso to take a breath and relax between pitches. We want to see the batters succeed and they need more time to do so.